A Japanese sword is not only a weapon but also a work of art. It has influenced the course of cultural and social development within Japan. This is mainly due to the fact that it incorporates aspects both of elegance and devastation. This is why the japanese katana is considered to be one of the most beautiful and best weapons ever made.
The first step in making a japanese katana sword is to create the steel. This is achieved by heating it to a high temperature. Then section by section, it is hammered to shape the blade. Using the technique called’sunobe’, it is struck and elongated to make the ‘Hirachi’ (blade side), ‘Shinogichi’ (ridge line) and a ‘Kissaki’ (piercing tip). The smith must exercise great skill at this stage because the thicker back naturally curves towards the thinner edge, and this requires careful control.
This process is continued until the sword is completely formed. Afterwards, it is cooled down and polished. The smith will try to achieve the balance between three conflicting natures of a sword, ‘not break, not bend and sharply cut’.
The finished blade is then mounted to a tsuka and wakizashi. The mounting is designed with the mon (family crests). The completed set of a katana and wakizashi is known as ‘Daisho’. It is a treasured and valuable item for samurai. The tsuka and saya are ornately decorated with gold and bronze fittings. This ‘daisho’ is then passed down through generations of samurai. Mini katana for sale